FRANKFORT, Ky. (4/18/13) – Students in the fourth through sixth grade still have time to apply for summer conservation camps operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

The camp application deadline was recently extended to May 15 to allow families more time to plan summer activities for their children. Each weeklong camp session offers kids a healthy dose of outdoor fun along with skills designed to build self-sufficiency.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife operates three camps on Cumberland, Grayson and Kentucky lakes.

"There are still spots available," said Laura Burford, assistant director of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's Information and Education Division. "There are available weeks at all three camps. Parents should contact their local conservation educator, call the department at 1-800-858-1549 or visit our website at fw.ky.gov for more information."

Camps include overnight lodging, three nutritious meals a day and a variety of fun activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, archery and more for less than $50 a day. Locations include Camp John Currie on Kentucky Lake, Camp Earl Wallace on Lake Cumberland and Camp Robert Webb on Grayson Lake.

The $230 weekly fee also includes camper insurance, transportation to camp from a drop-off point in a home county and a junior sportsman's license.

At camp, kids learn to fish, cast a fishing rod, paddle a canoe, identify plants and wildlife, survive in the wilderness, swim and handle firearms safely. A week at conservation camp is gift that provides many memories and a firm foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment in the outdoors.

"My older son loved conservation camp so much, he attended three times," Burford said. "My younger son will attend conservation camp for the second time this year."

Visit Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's main webpage at fw.ky.gov for more information, including a map of conservation education districts, contact information for conservation educators, applications and more.